Your kind words...

As you may know, Heidi took off last week for vacation. She left her dogs with Intern Chris to dog-sit while she was gone. Unfortunately, Cassie became ill while Heidi was away, and Chris took Cassie to the doctor. The doctor was able to help Cassie for a short time and she was able to return home with Intern Chris, but eventually she began to show signs of discomfort again, so Chris brought her back to the doctor. Cassie passed away at the doctor's office over the weekend, and Heidi returned from vacation to find out the heartbreaking news that her dog had gone without her getting to say goodbye. It has been tough on both of us this week and we appreciate your understanding as we grieve for our loss.

Here are some of the many e-mails we have received from our wonderful listeners:

-Angie

Tom and Heidi,

I am very sorry to hear about your losses. I’ve always had dogs growing up and they have always been family and it is always unimaginably devastating when they pass. I currently have 2 labs that are 2 ½ years old and they are definitely part of the family. I can’t imagine the pain and I would go through if something happened to either of them. I just wanted to let you know that I totally understand what y’all are going through and will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.

Take Care, Scot W.

Hi Tom!

I just wanted to let you know that I know exactly what you are going through. We lost our Lab after 12 years due to a battle with cancer.

There is a book called "Marley and Me" Life & Love With the World's Worst Dog, it will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it Will help ease the pain. It is written by John Grogan. Take the time to read it, you will be glad you did. Please tell Heidi also.

We now have a new Lab puppy named Emma :-)

Tom, hello. I am so sorry about the loss of your bestest friend, Nordbert. I think he must have been one of the luckiest dogs that ever lived. I know you will see him again in heaven. He will always love you forever…Love, Anne

SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I HAVE HEARD YOU SPEAK FONDLY OF YOUR LITTLE FRIEND FOR SEVERAL YRS. I TOO HAVE A DOG THAT IS DEFINITELY PART OF MY FAMILY. I HAVE NOT CHILDREN AND I HAVE HAD HER SINCE SHE WAS 6 WKS OLD. SHE IS ONLY 2 NOW, BUT I KNOW I WOULD BE DEVASTATED IF ANYTHING HAPPENED TO HER. AS YOU SAID THEY ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU THRU THICK AND THIN AND LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY. I KNOW IT IS HARD FOR THOSE LEFT BEHIND, BUT HE IS MUCH BETTER OFF IN DOGGIE HEAVEN AND IS HURTING NO MORE AS HE RUNS AND PLAYS WITH ALL THE BELOVED PETS THAT WENT BEFORE HIM. STAY STRONG AND KNOW THAT THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS OF YOUR FANS ARE WITH YOU. - TRACY

Hey Tom. I am really sorry for your loss. It has been a while since I lost a pet, but it really is like losing a member of your family. From what I've heard you share on the radio, you did everything you could to help your friend for as long as you could. I will be thinking of you, be happy over the great memories that you will have, and know Nordbert was very happy he was with you. You didn't let him down, his trust in you was great, and you did your best for him. You and your wife take care of each other, and remember Nordbert together. Thanks for sharing. Angela

Hi Tom, I know after the announcement this morning that you will probably receive about a million e-mails. But I had to write this because you have really touched my heart. Although I love everyone on the Hawk and Tom show, you have always been my favorite. I feel so bad that you have lost your best friend. I have had my Poodle for 8 years now. I got him when he was 12 weeks old. I can't imagine life without him. He is truly like one of my children. (Except he never gets mad at me!) Please know that your listeners love you and your loss is felt by all of us who love our pets. And although you may get another dog someday, we all know that Nordbert will never be replaced in your home or your heart. Love, Jamie

I wanted to tell you and Heidi how sorry I am for the loss of your loved ones. It will get easier in time but you will never forget. 4 years ago my best friend finally lost her fight to cancer. We had gone thru 3 major cancer surgeries and lots of hope. The vet we had was wonderful and helped us a great deal. Just wanted to let you know there are people out there that understands what you are going thru. - Laura

I heard you talking about Norbert & Heidi's dog this morning and just wanted to send you a little mail to tell you that I am very sorry. I also wanted to let you know that it's going to get a better. The pain never really goes completely away, but always know that you did the right thing by your dog.

I had a black lab that I had to put to sleep and it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life. Neo was only 2 1/2 when we had to put him down, but he was my baby. He weighed 125 lbs but this did not stop him from being my lap dog and my closest companion. He slept in the bed with us every night with his head on my pillow, just as if he was as human as you & I. He started getting sick on a Saturday afternoon (vomiting up everything that he tried to eat or drink). We called the vet and they thought it was a stomach virus. On Monday he was no better so we took him to the vet and he had lost 30 lbs in two days. At first they thought that he had swallowed a toy and that it was blocking the passage way to his stomach and that's why he could not digest anything. They sent us to East North Street Vet. Clinic, where they specialize in surgery, and that's where we received the worst news a pet owner and lover would ever receive, he had stomach cancer. It was so bad that it was blocking every passage in & out. We had the option of letting them remove most of it, but was told that it would eventually come back and be worse the second time around than the first. Of course since we loved him so much we made the decision to put him to sleep.

Unfortunately we never knew anything was wrong so we never got the chance to prepare for this tragedy. This type of thing makes you appreciate life a little more and that pets are just as a part of your life as any other member of your family. I will be praying for each of you and as time goes by it will get a little easier. Just remember the great times that you had and again I will keep you in my prayers. - Dottie

I justed wanted to say how sorry I am about your loss. Every morning I have been listening and praying for Nordbert's health to get better. I have a Maltese, Einstein that I have had for 13 years. I know he is going to go soon and I am trying to prepare myself for that day. I just hope he goes in peace and does not suffer. I wish you and your family all my prayers and love! - Maria

So sorry to hear about Nordbert. I went thru the same thing a few years ago. My childhood dog died after 14 years and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to go thru until my dad died. I don't care what non-pet owners think but they do become part of your family and its like losing a family member. Again, sorry to hear he passed away. Love you guys, Katie

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved friend Nordbert. -Jodie

I am so sorry to hear about your buddy. I know you are hurting...we are thinking about you. - Jen

I was listening this morning, and heard about your loss. I want to send my deepest love. I had two dogs age 14 and 16 who died about 4 years ago, and I thought I would never get over it. I still cry some when I see their pictures; they were great (mildly crazy) dogs. I do have a new puppy now. His name is Luke, and I've had him for a little over 2 years. He slept at the foot of my bed for weeks after I had surgery, and has been there for me when I graduated college, moved, two boyfriends, and countless other life changes. I completely understand your pain. They are such great friends and truly part of the family. I will keep you all in my prayers, and I love you all. If you need anything, feel free to email me. I'll be glad to listen, and when you get ready, you might want to consider reading Marley and Me. I laughed, I cried, I saw my own dog in it. I had a friend who lost her dog a few weeks ago, and she said that reading that book really helped her remember the good times.
With all my love, - Bonnie

Just heard about you loss and totally sympathize with what you're going through. I lost my beloved Max on July 12 after 16 years. He was my baby - even after I had my 2 children. This week has been really hard - removing his things from the house just made it all so real. I'm sure we'll both (and Heidi too) get through it - it's just really difficult. Just remember Norbert fondly as I'll do with Max. - Wanda

I was listening to the show this morning and my heart goes out to you! After all the years of listening I know how much Norbert meant to you and how DEVASTATING it is for you and your wife right now. Animals have a way of TRULY becoming a part of you....I know I have a dog named Toby who is 14 1/2 yrs. old and not in the greatest of health and we worry everyday! My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with you and your wife. -Lisa

I can express empathy with you and Heidi because of a loss of a dear friend of our family back in December 2005. We had had Summer, a mixed beagle, for 14 years, my oldest daughter was barley 2 when we rescued her from the humane society. Summer became sick and like you we had to make the right/best decision for Summer, not us.

It is still very hard on all of us, even my husband who is not a sentimental person. My 6 year old daughter still comes to me crying saying that she misses Summer. She often is found sitting around holding Summer's collar. It is indeed very difficult to get over the loss of a family member, even when it is a pet. I will keep you and Heidi in my prayers. God Bless - Love, Linda

Thank you for sharing your story with all of us on the Radio. We lost our dog, Vallie, a year ago in a house fire. She was the first dog our family had. When she died in that fire it was as if we had lost one of our own children. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your wife. Norbert will stay in your heart forever. - Dawn

I just had a few things to say to you to encourage you with the losses you are suffering right now. You are right - you are not alone. There are many of us who feel the same exact way about our "children" (cats and dogs). I suffered the loss of my "child" (dog) over 8 years ago and the pain is still there and I still have feeling of loss and missing something in my life. So you never forget the presence of that special pooch or puss. They were given to us as gifts to treasure and enjoy so it makes sense to mourn their absence. As far as people asking you when you will get "another one" -- it took me several years to find "one" that I could get close to, I was so afraid that as soon as I did it would leave me like the other one had. Now I have 3 and my life is full to the max. I now have 3 cats, 3 dogs and 3 children. I take the care of all of them seriously. They are ALL my children and I would mourn them all the same because they are my FAMILY.

I do hope you all the best and I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you mourn your loss. We have all been there at some point or another in our lives and these points are what make us stronger and kinder. So keep your chin up and know that someone out here knows what you are going through. With love and prayers, Broncho Girl

Tom and Heidi - I am so sorry for your loss. Tom, you need to be at home - I can't believe you are working. It really upset me this morning to hear about Nordbert - I felt like I knew him. You made me cry too. I feel so close to you guys and I have never got a chance to meet you. I know what both of you are feeling. I lost my furry baby April 17th. His name was Noah and he was red Daschund, 6 years old. He had a sudden and painful death of a brain tumor. I did not have to put him down - he passed at UGA vet school before they could start treatment. What bothered me the most - I left him there - I would have given anything to have been there holding him in my arms - I know he wondered why his mom left him with those strange people. It still hurts me to think he was alone when he passed - so be thankful you where there with Nordbert.

It was one of the hardest things I have ever went through and was out of work for 2 days and still sit at work and cried everyday that week. We got him a casket and had a little mini funeral and fixed a beautiful grave spot for him. People think I am crazy! But he was our child and I totally know what you are feeling. One of the hardest things for me was going home everyday without him there to welcome me with kisses and the happy dance. This is a link to a wonderful card of rainbow bridge - it will make you cry for sure but it is so sweet and it helped me. http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridgever2.html I will say a prayer both of you. Love ya guys, Nicole

Someone once sent me an email that you may have seen. It tells a story about a little boy that had to put his dog to sleep. The boy took his dog into the vet’s office and held him as he died.

Afterwards, the vet looked down at the boy to see if he way okay. The boy looked up at the vet and said “I know why dogs don’t live as long as people. God put people on earth to learn the meaning of unconditional love, but dogs already understand what true love is so they get to go home early.” I thought about this email when you and Heidi were talking about your pets. I am sure that Nordbert and Cassie are home now. I am a firm believer that all dogs (and cats) go to heaven. Lots of hugs, Karen

I just heard about your dogs, and I just wanted to give you my condolences. I have 2 Scottish terriers or my '4 legged children' and I don't know what I would do if that happened. Again, I am so sorry. Just know that he is in doggie heaven. Have a good day! - Missy

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about Nordbert and Cassie. I have been listening to your morning show since before your time, and I feel like I know each and every one of you. I cried my eyes out this morning on my way to work, and now I am crying again at work just thinking about you, Jaime and Heidi and what you must be going through.

Like you guys, my husband and I don't have any kids yet, but our dogs are our babies. My oldest is 9 and he is just starting to show the signs of his age. I think a lot about how much time I have left with him and am trying to do all the things he enjoys while I still have him.

Well, I can't continue to cry…I just wanted to share this poem with you guys this morning. Love ya! Ann

Just wanted to send you my sincere condolences for your loss. I lost my cat Wilma 3 years ago and to this day I still miss her terribly. Pets are an important part of our lives and they will forever have a special place in our hearts. Love ya, Laura in Anderson

My husband & I had to do the same thing to our precious "Marvin" not to long ago. He came to us abused, emaciated and neglected. We took care of him and in about a month's time he was guarding the property, greeting us at the beginning of our 1/2 mile driveway and escorting our cars all the way to the house. He just seemed to know that we weren't going to hurt him and that he would be safe. We have several dogs and cats but there was something so special about this Walker Coonhound! One morning we heard him howling in a terrible way and there he was in the driveway not able to get up. We took him to the vet and he was diagnosed with Coonhound Syndrome which we had never heard of. Apparently he was tussling with the wrong raccoon, that carries the disease, and there was no cure. He was kept on an IV for a few days to see if MAYBE he would recover but finally we had to make that decision. We also were there to say goodbye but what was so sad is that he looked fine laying there. His eyes were bright and you never would of known he was so sick. He looked at us like he was waiting for us to just take him home to run the woods that he so loved. We brought him home to the farm to bury him. The neighbor made a cedar cross bearing Marvin's name and we swear we can still hear him howling every night!!!!!! We cried like babies and we feel your pain. In memory of Marvin we vowed only to adopt homeless dogs that were in trouble as he was. - Barb

I just heard this morning on my drive into work about your dog. I just wanted you to know how very sorry I am for your loss. I have heard you speak of him several times, and I know how much he meant to you.

Before you have children, and sometimes even after you have a child, your animal plays such a big part of your life!! I have a Persian cat that I have had since she was 6 weeks old, and now she's 9. I have saw her go through several operations in her life, one to have one of her ear canal's completely removed, and I don't want to even think about losing her.

Just wanted to let you know that you have a lot of listeners out here that care about what goes on with all of you guys!! When y'all are upset - so are we. I was crying as I opened the door to the office this morning, just listening to you. I could hear the crumbling in your voice.

Well, hopefully this e-mail will let you know that people do care about you, and what you're going through. Take care, Sharon

So sorry to hear about Nordbert. You did the best you could for him, and I think you made the right decision. I know how upset you must be, and just wanted to send you some prayers during this rough time! My dogs are my babies,, too, so I sympathize! God bless! Alicia

I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Last year I lost my baby, Tuffy, a 9 year old Shih Tzu who was like my son. I know exactly how you feel. It gets easier as time goes by but I still miss my baby. My husband and I enjoy listening to the morning show very much. He is in the process of immigrating to America from England and has become as much a loyal fan as I am. He has even called you guys a couple of times. I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. -Robin

		Copyright © 2006 [Hawk and Tom]